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NINR Seeking Scientific Director, Division of Intramural Research

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Scientific Director to provide visionary leadership for its growing Division of Intramural Research (DIR), located in Bethesda, Maryland. The NINR uses nursing’s holistic perspective to advance research and research training that improve individual and population health and promote health equity by identifying nursing practice and policy solutions across clinical and community settings that are responsive to the realities of people’s lives and living conditions. The NINR is moving in exciting new directions, and the Scientific Director will play a central role in shaping these developments. An approach that integrates health determinants at multiple levels and spans community to bench is anticipated for the DIR, with synergistic community, health services, laboratory, and translational research. The Scientific Director is a key member of the NINR senior leadership team and reports directly to the NINR Director.

The Scientific Director provides overall executive direction, coordination, and scientific leadership for the entire NINR DIR. The NINR DIR total budget is approximately $11 million, and the Scientific Director will be provided with the hiring opportunities and appropriate resources to grow a robust intramural research program. The Scientific Director serves as the principal advisor to the NINR Director on scientific affairs involving the DIR. The Scientific Director will recommend, develop, and implement new DIR initiatives and programs; oversee program operations including program planning and evaluation; provide fiscal management and administrative supervision; and direct training of post-baccalaureate, pre-doctoral, and post-doctoral fellows. The Scientific Director creates and maintains a nurturing research environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and efficient utilization of resources.

The Scientific Director collaborates closely with the NINR Clinical Director on all protocols involving research participants. The Scientific Director identifies and facilitates collaborative opportunities across the NIH and with academic institutions, organizations, and the broader scientific and surrounding communities. The Scientific Director represents the NINR intramural interests at meetings of the NIH Board of Scientific Directors and serves as the spokesperson both nationally and internationally on the NINR intramural research activities. The Scientific Director will comply with safety, ethics, and other legal and policy requirements.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

  • a letter of interest, including a 1-2 page description of research and administrative experience;
  • a 1-page statement describing their vision for the NINR DIR;
  • a 1-page diversity statement that describes their mentoring philosophy, track record of diversity activities (e.g., mentoring and outreach), and how they will promote inclusive excellence in the biomedical research workforce;
  • curriculum vitae and bibliography, and
  • full contact information for five references.

Application packages should be sent via email to Dr. Anna Maria Napoles, Search Committee Chair at NINRrecruitment@mail.nih.gov.

Questions should be directed to Demond Gibson at 301-402-5490.

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Review of applications will begin on or about August 3, 2021, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers
 

The Scientific Director will also lead their own program of research that supports the overall mission of the NINR and the DIR. Resources will be made available accordingly. Research programs are highly sought that demonstrate:

  • an appreciation for and integration of health determinants at multiple levels from societal to biological factors, including social determinants of health; 
  • include community research, and
  • focus on health disparities and equity.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent research degree, and have demonstrated scientific leadership and/or senior-level research experience in a basic and/or clinical research program of national and international standing in an area relevant to nursing science, as well as possess a strong research background. Applicants should have leadership experience, proven experience in managing and directing a scientific research program, strong track record of mentoring and training future scientists, and well-honed administrative and interpersonal skills. The NINR seeks applicants who have a commitment to scientific excellence, compelling vision for the future of the DIR, and innovative thinking necessary to maintain the DIR’s research efforts at the scientific forefront. Desired areas of expertise include approaches that integrate health determinants at multiple levels and span community to bench, focused on health disparities and equity.

Nurse scientists are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference. A diverse pool of applicants is sought, so qualified individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.